The Jewish leadership confronted Jesus by asking Him, “Who gave you the right to stop the Temple marketplace?” This was a legitimate question. Without a chain of authority, there will be chaos. The success of any organization, whether social, governmental, or religious, depends on the authority of leadership.
Jewish Leadership Knew Their Source of Authority
The priests were of the tribe of Levi. They claimed their authority from Moses, who had set their tribe apart to serve in the Temple. The scribes studied rabbis’ interpretations and claimed their authority based on their studies. As leaders of their families, the elders had been chosen for their experience and wisdom, so their clans had given them authority.[1]
These leaders were confident in their authority and unafraid to confront Jesus. What Jesus had done to the Temple threatened their positions. Thus, they intended to trap Him and tried to force Jesus to say something illegal. If Jesus broke a Roman law, the government would prosecute Him. If Jesus said something blasphemous, the governing council would act against Him. Either one would decrease Jesus’ popularity with the people. They thought they had a perfect set-up that would increase their popularity and get rid of Jesus.
The Right to Authority Changed
The Jewish leadership did not understand their authority was going to end due to the new covenant Jesus would put into place. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy, pride, and greed through this confrontation. In a few days, He would go to the cross as our substitute and pay the blood price we could never pay for our sins. His authority came from God, and He sits on the Father’s right hand due to His action on the cross.
Jesus still exposes our hypocrisy, pride, and greed. But because of His authority, He forgives our sins when we confess and repent. 1 John 1: 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. [2] We get a chance to start over with the new life Jesus won by His authority.
Who gave You the right? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-on-authority
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 256). Victor Books.
[2] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.